10 Things People Hate About Car Lockouts
Preventing Car Lockouts
Car lockouts can be stressful and frustrating experiences. There are ways to avoid them.
The first step to take is to remain calm. Examine the situation with care. Stress can cloud your judgment and make it difficult to find an answer. Contact help if you need it. This is the safest and least damaging method.
Make sure you have your keys in order before leaving the car
One of the most common problems that drivers face is getting locked out of their vehicle. Unfortunately, it occurs when you least expect it, which can cause a lot of stress and frustration. There are steps you can do to prevent this from repeating itself.
Before you panic, it's important to make sure you check the doors of your car for keys. It is also a good idea to empty all your bags and pockets, in case you have accidentally dropped your keys somewhere. Lastly, walk back through your day to see whether you might have put the keys down or reached into your bag to grab something and took them out of your way.
Many people try DIY methods to gain access to their vehicle when they are locked outside, such as using bobby pins or coat hangers to pick the locks. However, these methods are often risky and could damage the windows or locks of your vehicle. Modern cars also have advanced alarms and lock systems that will set off if these tools are used to gain entry to the car.
It's essential to have a spare car key addition to a professional locksmith and roadside assistance. In stores such as your local hardware store, you will get a variety of options such as a universal key. A spare key can allow you to access your vehicle quickly and efficiently if you find yourself in a challenging situation.
If you're a new owner of a car or purchased it as a pre-owned certified model, you could be eligible for free roadside assistance via the website of the manufacturer or dealer. These services can help with car lockouts and various other issues. You can also download the HONK application for your smartphone to connect to an area locksmith or towing service to assist you in times of need. In contrast to traditional roadside assistance groups, HONK has no membership fees or upfront charges. It also will let you know what your service will cost prior to they arrive.
Keep a spare key in your side
A spare key is the ideal option to prevent car lockouts. It provides you with a means to gain access to your vehicle if your primary key is lost, and can help you avoid the headache of calling emergency locksmith services for help.
It can be frustrating to find yourself locked out of your car However, you must remain calm and logical to find the best solution. Calling roadside assistance is usually the best option, as they have the tools needed to unlock your car without causing any damage. If you don't have an insurance plan for roadside assistance, however, you can try calling a locksmith for help instead.
Another option is to keep an extra key in your home or office. This is a great idea for those who share vehicles or live in homes shared by others because it makes it easier to organize schedules and ensure that all of your keys are available when you'll need them. You can also leave the spare key with a family member as you believe they will return the key to you in the event of an emergency.
Test your spare key to ensure it functions properly. It is also recommended to store your spare key in a safe place that is difficult to find by a burglar. If you're not sure of where to store your keys then you can put them in a key lockbox. Only you and trusted people will be able to access. Also, you may prefer to give the spare key to a friend or family member who lives nearby and can take it to you in the event that it is needed.
You should also be aware that a spare key can reduce the lifespan of your original key, which is why it's an ideal idea to change the spare every couple of months. This will prevent your primary key from becoming worn down and will help avoid future problems. It's difficult to do, but it can prevent you from spending money for emergency locksmith services in the future.
Use a Wedge and Long-Reach Tool
Car lockouts can occur due to various reasons. Certain car lockouts are due to human error, while some are caused by technical issues. Regardless of the reason, it is important to do everything possible to stop these incidents from happening in the first place. Fortunately, there are a few tools you can keep on hand to ensure that you don't get locked out of your vehicle.
One alternative is to employ a wedge to create a gap between the door frame and the body of the vehicle. This allows you to slide rods or straightened wire clothes hanger through the gap, enabling you to trigger the door handle inside or lock button. This method isn't easy to utilize in a tiny space.
A better alternative is to purchase a long-reach tool designed for car lockouts. Many such tools have a sleeve with a flexible design that can be used to shield the weather stripping, paint and the edge of the door from being damaged during a lockout. The sleeve also protects your hands and fingers while using a long-reach tool.
These tools are bent into regular configurations so that they can be utilized quickly in most situations. Some tools even have colored differently to aid in their identification in dim lighting. The Ultimate Long Reach Tool Kit gives you the most versatility. It includes four of the most common long-reach tool plus a Button Master, Mega Master snare two air wedges, and a protective lockout tape.
Some people try to break into their vehicles using a rod or hanger to gain access back inside, however this could be dangerous and costly. Not only does it potentially harm the locking system of the car however, it could also cause physical damage to the window, door and paint. In addition, breaking into a vehicle could trigger an investigation by the police and result in additional charges.
Unless there is an emergency, such as small children or vulnerable individuals who are locked inside the vehicle, it's best to call for roadside assistance. A service such as HONK will provide you with an auto locksmith on-demand who can open your car quickly and safely. The app displays the cost upfront, so there's no need to worry about hidden charges or haggling with tow truck drivers.
Call for Help
Being locked out of your car not just frustrating, but it's also risky. If you attempt to unlock your car without the right tools, you could damage your vehicle, making it difficult to access in the future. Professional lockout services have the tools and expertise to unlock your car quickly without causing any damage, making it easier for you to get your car unlocked and save time and stress.
If you're stuck with your keys locked inside the vehicle, you must stay calm and call for help. Don't try to unlock your car using the DIY methods you've seen on the Internet. These tricks may work for some cars however they could cause serious damage to modern vehicles that have high-tech locking mechanisms.
Towing companies in your region offer lockout services at affordable prices. Some automakers have smartphone apps that allow drivers to unlock their cars remotely. If you own a car from one of these brands and have an active warranty or roadside assistance program, be sure to look into their app offerings for more details on how to use these apps.
You can also contact the local auto dealer to find out if they're capable of unlocking your car. This service could be offered for free or at a minimal cost, depending on the manufacturer and the relationship you have with the dealership. Certain non-profit organizations and community support organizations also offer resources to people who are locked out of their vehicle. To learn more about the options available in your area, contact your local community centers or social service organizations.
Being locked out of your car is not an enjoyable experience but it doesn't have to ruin your day. By remaining calm and calling for help and taking preventive measures, you can prevent this from happening in the future. Check your spare key if it's there before you exit your vehicle. Also, make sure you check every door before closing it. If
locked myself out my car to find your keys, think about leaving one with an amiable neighbor or a trusted friend, and practice safe driving habits every time you get behind the wheel.